Abinadi's Teachings and King Noah's Reign in the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ Lesson 10: Mosiah 7 Lesson 10: Mosiah 7- -22 22 Live Live for the Lord for the Lord Christina G. Hibbert christi@drchristinahibbert.com www.LikeAWateredGarden.com www.DrChrisitnaHibbert.com

Who or what do you live for? Abinadi lived, and died, for the Lord. Through Abinadi, Alma learned to live for the Lord, and he, in turn, taught many to do likewise. As we study the teachings of Abinadi and the story of the people of Alma and Limhi, may we ask ourselves, Would I be willing to testify, to stand boldly, and to even die for the Lord? Or, perhaps even more importantly, Am I willing to testify, stand boldly, and live for the Lord?

Ezra Taft Benson Christ changes men, and changed men can change the world. Men changed for Christ will be captained by Christ ...Men captained by Christ will be consumed in Christ... Their will is swallowed up in His will. (see John 5:30) They do always those things that please the Lord. (see John 8:29) Not only would they die for the Lord, but more important they want to live for Him. (emphasis added) (in Conference Report, Oct 1985, 5-6)

Overzealous King Zeniff Land of Lehi Land of Lehi- -Nephi Nephi Land of Zarahemla Land of Zarahemla King Zeniff (Mosiah 9-1) King Mosiah I around 200 B.C. King Noah (Mosiah 11-19) King Benjamin around 160 B.C. King Limhi (Mosiah 7-8,19-22) King Mosiah II around 121 B. C.

Wicked King Noah Mosiah 11:1-15 ? What did King Noah do when he came into power? ? How did the people respond? ?

Prophets Like the prophets of old, prophets today testify of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel. They make known God s will and true character. They speak boldly and clearly, denouncing sin and warning of its consequences. At times. They may be inspired to prophesy of future events for our benefit. (True to the Faith [2004], 129)

Responsibilities of Prophets 1. Testify of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel. 2. Make known God s will and character. 3. Denounce sin and warn of its consequences. 4. Prophesy of future events.

Abinadi

Abinadis Sermon God Himself shall make an Atonement and redeem His people. (Mos 13-16) ? Understanding and following the prophets and scriptures (12:27) ? Obeying the 10 Commandments, and other commandments (12:33-37; 13:11-24) ? The Atonement of Jesus Christ (13:28) ? The reality that Jesus is the Christ, that he would come to earth, his life and ministry, and his intercession for us (using the words of Isaiah) (Mosiah 14) ?

Jeffrey R. Holland Surely the most sublime, the lengthiest and most lyrical declaration of the life, death, and atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ is that found in the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, quoted in its entirety in the Book of Mormon by Abinadi as he stood in chains before King Noah (Christ and the New Covenant, 89).

Mosiah 14 How do the following verses make you feel about the Savior? In verse 2, what does the phrase as a root out of dry ground suggest about the general spiritual state of the people during the time of the Savior s mortal ministry? (Many were unreceptive to His message.) ? According to verse 3, how did some people treat the Savior? ? According to verses 4 6, what burdens did the Savior bear? ? According to verses 7 9; 11, how did Jesus Christ show His willingness to atone for our sins? ?

Mosiah 15-16 15:1-7 Christ is both the Father and the Son ? 15:10-13 The seed of Christ ? 15:13-20 How beautiful are the feet! ? 15:20-31 The first resurrection ? 15:25 Little children have eternal life ? 15:30-31 Break forth into joy! ? 16:1-8 Christ will redeem us from a lost and fallen state ? 16:9 He is the light and life of the world! ? 16:10-12 Christ is our judge ?

Abinadis Martyrdom Sometimes the righteous suffer for their testimony of Jesus Christ. Mosiah 17

Robert D. Hales What a powerful example Abinadi should be to all of us! He courageously obeyed the Lord s commandments even though it cost him his life! Prophets of all dispensations have willingly put their lives on the line and, with courage, have done the will and proclaimed the word of God. The Prophet Joseph Smith went like a lamb to the slaughter (D&C 135:4), never wavering as he fulfilled the Lord s commandments. And think of our Savior s example. He endured to the end, fulfilling His divine mission and completing the atoning sacrifice for all mankind. Let us follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ and His prophets, past and present. It may not be required of us to give our lives as martyrs, as did many of the prophets. What is required is our obedience to the Lord s commandments and our faithfulness to the covenants we have made with Him (in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 49; or Ensign,May 1996, 35).

Brigham Young The most effectual way to establish the religion of Heaven is to live it, rather than to die for it: I think I am safe in saying that there are many of the Latter-day Saints who are more willing to die for their religion than to live it faithfully. (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1954], 221)

Alma LIVED for the Lord ? Repented and taught the people (18:1-7) ? Baptized through the priesthood and the Spirit of Christ (18:8-16) ? What was Alma s desire as He prepared to do the Lord s work? (18:12) ?

Alma -- Baptism Jeffrey R. Holland: He asked that they serve [God] and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon them. These new disciples would also demonstrate their faith by: Coming into the fold of God. Being called his people. Bearing one another s burdens. Mourning with those that mourn. Comforting those who stand in need of comfort. Standing as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places. Entering into a covenant to serve God and keep his commandments. This declaration by Alma at the Waters of Mormon still stands as the most complete scriptural statement on record as to what the newly baptized commit to do and be (Christ and the New Covenant [1997], 106).

King Limhi & Alma People of Limhi People of Alma Endured bondage & 50% tribute (2 yrs. Post-Abinadi) Escaped King Noah (18:33-4) ? ? Prospered & the Lord strengthened them (23:2-5) ? Lamanites attacked, they fought and accepted bondage (20:7-22) ? Continued in peace and prosperity, living in righteousness (23:14-20) ? Bondage intensified(21:3-6) ? People murmured & went to war Discovered by Lamanite army hunting Limhi s people and brought into bondage (24:8-10) ? ? Finally, repented and turned to the Lord. Compelled to be humble. ? Remained faithful and endured patiently (10-16) ? Eventually burdens eased (21:15) The Lord eased their burdens & delivered them (24:14-20) ? ? Finally delivered (22:11) & ?

The Lord will deliver us Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: There can and will be plenty of difficulties in life. Nevertheless, the soul that comes unto Christ, who knows His voice and strives to do as He did, finds a strength, as the hymn says, beyond [his] own. [ Lord, I Would Follow Thee, Hymns, no. 220.] Brothers and sisters, whatever your distress, please don t give up and please don t yield to fear. If you are lonely, please know you can find comfort. If you are discouraged, please know you can find hope. If you are poor in spirit, please know you can be strengthened. If you feel you are broken, please know you can be mended (in Conference Report, Apr. 2006, 71 72; or Ensign,May 2006, 71). Christ is the one who comforts, who offers hope, who strengthens, who mends us. May we turn to Him, receive of His love by receiving the power of His Atonement in our lives. May we rely upon Him through all times of life through the blessings and the despair. May we live for Him, each and every day, is my prayer.

Personal Inventory Are you willing to live for the Lord? ? How will you show Him your willingness? ? What will it look like in your life? ?